Between now and May 8, my play is going up, I started the library job, I just landed a high-paid script writing job I really wanted, I'm guest lecturing at the local college, I have to jump in and help at the library's big event, and I'm teaching at a writers' conference. I just got the first round of edits in on "Lake Justice" – we will have another round this week, and by next week or so, we move on to TRACKING MEDUSA.

I'm wrapping up two small, low-paid freelance jobs, sending out one script request, and then I'm not taking on any new projects until the end of June, because I'm completely booked. Nice feeling, but I'll start pitching again in late May, although I have much more freedom to turn down jobs now than I had even a month ago.

Everything is very tightly scheduled, I've got my running lists, my folders, my information all ready to go.

As I prep for each project, I add what I need into the bin — bin for the conference, bin for the lecture, bin for the show, bin for the scripting — and I've got a tote bag with the new job info that I take back and forth.

This way, I just need to do a final check before I pick it up and load it.

The second Gwen Finnegan deadline to turn in the manuscript is now July 1 instead of June 1, and the first draft of the ferry girl novel's been pushed back to Oct. 1. I'm not teaching all summer.

But I still have to stay on top of the current projects.

Oh, yeah, and two magazine articles are due May 1, one contest decision due May 1, one contest decision due May 14, and culling the first round of a third contest somewhere in between.

I'm grateful, I'm happy with the projects — I just have to keep them manageable and keep track.

And no one's allowed to visit until June! 😉

Certain things – like tax time – I know about ahead of time. But mine aren't quite finished yet, either. They're almost done, but I can't face how much I owe and am hoping some big new assignments come in before I have to sing those checks.

I'm very much an out-of-sight-out-of-mind person, so I need visual reminders. Electronic calendars and reminders only work if you remember to use them – the paper calendar is a constant reminder. As a compromise, last year I started attaching a list of my current assignments to a folder. Client/subject/length/deadline/fee. I check things off as I go. I can stash my assignment letters, notes and interview transcripts in the folder, but that folder stays on my desk.

I tend to segment my days, too. Mornings are for correspondence, afternoons are for things that need more focus, like the actual writing….and doggie walks.

Your advice is right on target — it's similar to what I do and it works for me.

I start at the high-level (like you, Lori) in planning out for a 1-2 month period.

I reinforce key deadlines each month by writing projects & dates on a note and placing it on a standing note holder that sits on my desk. I cross them off during the month as they are met.

I drill down each week by listing the tasks. I separate by client work, my personal projects, and personal life stuff. I also have physical colored-coded folders for each client in my To Do folder.

The weekly snapshot keeps me on track and gives me the flexibility to change up what I'm working on for those times I'm just not feeling it for a project. As long as I accomplish the tasks during the week, I'm good.

That's a great system you have. I applaud your organization!

I've recently set up what I call a "Time Budget" in Excel. I actually color coded the times I have available for work, for personal obligations, etc. It turned out to be a reality check on just how many hours a week I have to devote to my writing business.

On another worksheet in the same file, I've listed my one-time and ongoing "will-do" list. Each week I plug my "will-do" list into the week's schedule. When I start work in the morning, I know exactly what my plan is for the day. I don't always have complete control, but at least I have a plan!

I've also discovered the power of the timer. It gets me started and tells me when to look up and take a break.